It's looking very much like Black Sabbath will go ahead with the reunion album and tour without drummer Bill Ward.

Bill issued a statement at the end of last week saying that he will not participate in the forthcoming album and tour unless he is handed a 'signable' contract and the remaining three members of Sabbath have responded saying that they have no option but to continue without him but that the door is always open.

"We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans... we have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open... We are still in the UK with Tony. Writing and recording the new album and on a roll... See you at Download!!!

"- Tony, Ozzy and Geezer"

The obvious choice to replace Bill is Vinnie Appice but with Kill Devil Hill, Vinnie's new band with Rex Brown, making waves, he may not be available or willing. This is pure speculation on our part it must be said.

Three out of four original members is not too bad but it would be too Wylde for words if that number decreased even further.